Dynamo have no more time to mess around, will beat FC Dallas

Unless a concussion keeps Adam Moffat out of action Saturday, I’m going to go ahead and predict the Dynamo will claim their first road victory of the season Saturday.

I have no reasonable explanation for why I think the Dynamo will beat FC Dallas, which definitely appears the much stronger side on paper. And I cannot imagine Dallas will drop two games in a row, especially with Brek Shea back.

Nonetheless, if you had been at Monday’s optional practice at Carl Lewis, you would have noticed a determined look. Brian Ching, who ranks up there with Roger Clemens, Mike Piazza, Orel Hershiser and Craig Biggio among the best and most committed players I’ve covered in 15 years, looks like a man on a mission.

Ching is in no mood to let this season end without a run in the playoffs. If Ching and Carlos Costly are healthy, the Dynamo have a tremendous veteran forward line. Will Bruin, Calen Carr and Cam Weaver are no slouches either, and they have proved their ability to start or come off the bench to score.

More importantly, the midfield finally appears set. It’s no secret the Dynamo started playing better once Moffat was acquired and Ching started playing regularly again. Brazilian Luiz Camargo and Costly still have times when they’re a little too relaxed on the pitch, but they have been strong additions. With Camargo and Moffat in the center and All-Star Brad Davis on the left side, the Dynamo are quite strong in the midfield. Equally important, Geoff Cameron at center back makes the Dynamo stout on defense, especially with Andre Hainault having a team-MVP-type season.

Say what you want about the Dynamo, but they are a very good team. They’re a quality playoff team. Unfortunately they have hurt themselves with self-inflicted wounds, and nobody is immune from blame on that front. Whether it’s been silly red cards, boneheaded defense (Je-Vaughn Watson step right up) or games in which nobody appeared to show up to play, the Dynamo can point to themselves when recalling most of their losses this season.

Only four games remain, though, and none will be easy. So there’s no better time than Saturday to pick up the first road victory of the season.